Prioritize carrier density (road and intermodal), dock and staging capacity, slotting and racking, IT/OMS/WMS integration, SLA performance for pick‑pack, and reverse logistics capability. Contract terms should reflect variable demand, minimums, and outbound rate structures to control cost per order.

Location reduces line‑haul distances into Adelaide and regional hubs, lowering fuel and time‑in‑transit. Lower rents and larger yard availability decrease fixed costs per pallet. Together these factors cut landed cost and improve ability to offer faster regional delivery windows.

Look for multi‑temperature storage, scalable pick‑pack lines, returns processing, EDI/API connectivity, real‑time inventory visibility, cross‑dock options, and secure staging for mixed SKU orders. Verify forklift availability, clear dock scheduling, and contingency plans for seasonal peaks.

Assess local labor availability for peak hiring, industrial zoning that allows extended hours and truck movements, and landlord flexibility for racking or mezzanine installs. Compare lease and service rate escalators, and confirm access to recruitment pools or labor hire partners.

Request system demos (WMS/OMS), API/EDI connectivity test cases, carrier booking workflows, and sample transaction timelines. Ask for KPIs on pick accuracy, order cycle time, and on‑time shipment rates, plus references from similar eCommerce or B2B clients.